National Defence committee  The information is on file at the base and the detachment located on the base handles the member's case. However, if these members need additional help or authorizations, for example authorizations for funerals, they turn to us for help. With BlackBerries and other similar devices in use today, authorizations are given within an hour in all cases.

National Defence committee  Recently, we issued our first report. Since the detachments began operating only in September, last week, we issued an initial list of all CF members who had either been injured or had experienced a health problem. We estimate that the list is 95% accurate. As a result, we can monitor these members regardless of where they may be.

National Defence committee  It is handled by DND.

National Defence committee  Health Services personnel are the only ones who can make that diagnosis.

National Defence committee  As a rule, the member must be diagnosed first as having a problem.

National Defence committee  No, it is not.

National Defence committee  I am responsible for providing support through social programs, for providing administrative support to CF members.

National Defence committee  Health clinics are staffed with counsellors to help members with problems of this nature.

National Defence committee  Certainly, if that member's drinking problem is tied to job-related stress.

National Defence committee  That is correct.

National Defence committee  There are cases of comorbidity.

National Defence committee  I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have. From a non-clinical standpoint, I can be of some assistance. When the member returns to Canada, a designated officer is assigned to him.

National Defence committee  Regardless of the injury. The designated officer acts as a guide, so to speak, for the injured member. First of all, he helps the member find his way through the administrative system. He also helps the member get to his appointments. If the member has problems with his chain of command or some such thing, the designated officer is there to lend a hand.

National Defence committee  We have the capacity to deal with them but at this time, a great deal of support is provided by the member's unit. However, that may not necessarily be the best place to get the support needed. Therefore, if we develop a centre of expertise to deal solely with injured soldiers, we will be able to offer them an improved level of service.

National Defence committee  Absolutely.